My Way – Frank Sinatra
Released in 1969, this iconic anthem celebrates a life lived boldly and authentically, with lyrics reflecting resilience in facing life’s challenges. Its defiant yet reflective sentiment makes it a top choice for those honouring a unique, self-determined life. Frequently cited as the UK’s most popular funeral song, it resonates for its universal message of individuality, ranked 1/40 most popular funeral songs.
Amazing Grace – John Newton
Written in 1772 and published in 1779, this timeless hymn embodies redemption and hope, rooted in Newton’s personal transformation from a slave trader to a clergyman. Its soothing, spiritual tone offers comfort across faiths, making it a universal choice for funerals. Ranked 2/40 most popular funeral songs.
Abide with Me – Henry Francis Lyte
Composed in 1847, this hymn expresses a heartfelt plea for divine presence during life’s final moments. Its gentle, comforting sentiment is a staple at UK funerals and FA Cup Finals, resonating with both religious and secular audiences for its emotional depth. Its enduring use in Anglican services cements its place, ranked 3/40 most popular funeral songs.
Time to Say Goodbye – Andrea Bocelli & Sarah Brightman
Released in 1996, this classical crossover, originally Con te partirò, conveys a dignified, bittersweet farewell. Its soaring melody and poignant lyrics evoke love and parting, making it ideal for solemn yet hopeful services. Its operatic grandeur appeals to those seeking elegance, ranked 4/40 most popular funeral songs.
The Lord’s My Shepherd (Psalm 23) – Traditional
Based on the 23rd Psalm and set to the Crimond tune in 1872, this hymn offers profound comfort through its imagery of divine guidance and peace. Its serene, reassuring sentiment is a cornerstone in Christian funerals, particularly Anglican and Presbyterian services, ranked 5/40 most popular funeral songs.
Supermarket Flowers – Ed Sheeran
From 2017’s Divide album, this tender ballad was written by Sheeran about his grandmother’s passing, capturing raw grief and love through personal imagery like clearing flowers from a hospital room. Its relatable, heartfelt sentiment has surged its use in modern funerals, especially among younger generations, ranked 6/40 most popular funeral songs.
Wind Beneath My Wings – Bette Midler
Released in 1988 from the Beaches soundtrack, this ballad expresses gratitude for a loved one’s unspoken support. Its uplifting yet emotional tone makes it a favorite for honoring parents, partners, or mentors, resonating deeply at memorial services, ranked 7/40 most popular funeral songs.
Jerusalem – William Blake/Sir Hubert Parry
Composed in 1916 with lyrics from Blake’s 1804 poem, this stirring anthem blends patriotism and spirituality, evoking England’s “green and pleasant land.” Its rousing, hopeful sentiment is popular at state, military, and Anglican funerals, often symbolising national pride, ranked 8/40 most popular funeral songs.
We’ll Meet Again – Vera Lynn
Released in 1939, this WWII-era song carries a nostalgic, hopeful sentiment of reunion beyond death. Sung by Vera Lynn, it resonates with older generations, particularly veterans, and its gentle optimism makes it a poignant funeral choice, ranked 9/40 most popular funeral songs.
My Heart Will Go On – Celine Dion
Released in 1997 as the Titanic theme, this ballad captures enduring love that transcends loss. Its sweeping, emotional tone appeals to those honoring romantic or familial bonds, making it a staple for heartfelt farewells, ranked 10/40 most popular funeral songs.
Somewhere Over the Rainbow – Judy Garland/Eva Cassidy
Originally from 1939’s The Wizard of Oz, Eva Cassidy’s 1992 cover brought renewed popularity with its tender, hopeful tone. The song’s dreamy lyrics evoke peace and a better place, ideal for reflective services, ranked 11/40 most popular funeral songs.
How Great Thou Art – Carl Boberg
Written in 1885 and translated into English in 1949, this majestic hymn celebrates God’s creation and divine love. Its awe-inspired, uplifting sentiment is a top choice for Christian funerals, offering comfort and grandeur, ranked 12/40 most popular funeral songs.
Angels – Robbie Williams
Released in 1997, this pop ballad blends spiritual undertones with emotional resonance, evoking protection and love. Its relatable, soaring melody makes it a UK funeral favorite. Ranked 13/40 most popular funeral songs.
You Raise Me Up – Westlife/Secret Garden
Popularised by Westlife in 2005 (originally by Secret Garden in 2002), this anthem conveys gratitude and divine or human support. Its uplifting, spiritual tone serves as a modern hymn, ideal for celebrating resilience, ranked 14/40 most popular funeral songs.
Canon in D – Johann Pachelbel
Composed around 1680, this classical piece offers a serene, reflective mood with its flowing, harmonious structure. Often used as processional music, its peaceful sentiment suits contemplative services, ranked 15/40 most popular funeral songs.
The Old Rugged Cross – George Bennard
Written in 1912, this country-style hymn reflects devotion to Christ’s sacrifice. Popularised by Elvis Presley’s 1960s rendition, its reverent, nostalgic tone is cherished in traditional Christian funerals, ranked 16/40 most popular funeral songs.
Morning Has Broken – Eleanor Farjeon
Written in 1931 and popularised by Cat Stevens in 1971, this hymn celebrates life’s renewal with joyful, poetic imagery. Its light, hopeful sentiment suits celebratory services, ranked 17/40 most popular funeral songs.
Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer – William Williams
Composed in 1745, this powerful Welsh hymn (also called Cwm Rhondda) conveys divine guidance and strength. Its rousing, communal tone is a staple in UK and Commonwealth funerals, ranked 18/40 most popular funeral songs.
Hallelujah – Leonard Cohen/Jeff Buckley
Written by Cohen in 1984, Jeff Buckley’s 1994 soulful cover elevated its funeral use. Its introspective, bittersweet tone explores love and loss, making it a modern classic, ranked 19/40 most popular funeral songs.
Always Look on the Bright Side of Life – Monty Python
From 1979’s Life of Brian, this humorous song promotes optimism in the face of death. Its lighthearted, irreverent sentiment, suits joyful farewells, ranked 20/40 most popular funeral songs.
Be Thou My Vision – Traditional Irish
Originating in the 8th century and translated in 1912, this hymn expresses devotion and hope through poetic imagery. Its simple, uplifting tone is favored in Christian services, ranked 21/40 most popular funeral songs.
See You Again – Wiz Khalifa ft. Charlie Puth
Released in 2015 for Furious 7, this tribute to Paul Walker conveys friendship and loss. Its modern, emotional sentiment resonates with younger audiences, ranked 22/40 most popular funeral songs.
Lean on Me – Bill Withers
Released in 1972, this soulful anthem celebrates community and support. Its warm, comforting tone crosses generations, making it a versatile funeral choice, ranked 23/40 most popular funeral songs.
Bridge Over Troubled Water – Simon & Garfunkel/Elvis Presley
Written in 1970, Elvis’s 1971 cover amplified its funeral use. Its soothing, supportive sentiment offers solace, ideal for honoring caregivers, ranked 24/40 most popular funeral songs.
What a Wonderful World – Louis Armstrong
Released in 1967, this song reflects on life’s beauty with joyful optimism. Its celebratory tone makes it perfect for uplifting services, ranked 25/40 most popular funeral songs.
Tears in Heaven – Eric Clapton
Written in 1992 after the loss of Clapton’s son, this ballad conveys profound personal grief. Its tender, introspective sentiment resonates deeply at memorials, ranked 26/40 most popular funeral songs.
Make You Feel My Love – Adele/Bob Dylan
Written by Dylan in 1997, Adele’s 2008 cover became a funeral staple for its heartfelt expression of enduring love. Its intimate, emotional tone suits romantic tributes, ranked 27/40 most popular funeral songs.
Dancing in the Sky – Dani and Lizzy
Released in 2015, this upbeat song imagines loved ones thriving in the afterlife. Its hopeful, modern sentiment gains traction for celebratory services, ranked 28/40 most popular funeral songs.
In the Sweet By and By – S. Fillmore Bennett
Written in 1868, this folk hymn promises eternal reunion with a gentle, hopeful tone. Its traditional appeal suits Christian funerals, ranked 29/40 most popular funeral songs.
Dear Lord and Father of Mankind – John Greenleaf Whittier
Composed in 1872, this reflective hymn seeks peace and forgiveness. Its calm, introspective sentiment is highly voted in UK funeral polls, ranked 30/40 most popular funeral songs.
Thine Be the Glory – Edmond Budry
Written in 1884, this triumphant Easter hymn celebrates resurrection and hope. Its uplifting, victorious tone suits joyful Christian services, ranked 31/40 most popular funeral songs.
All Things Bright and Beautiful – Cecil Frances Alexander
Written in 1848, this nostalgic hymn celebrates life’s beauty with a joyful, childlike tone. Common in traditional UK funerals, ranked 32/40 most popular funeral songs.
I Watch the Sunrise – John Glynn
Composed in 1976, this modern hymn offers peace and spiritual connection. Its serene, versatile tone suits both religious and non-religious services, ranked 33/40 most popular funeral songs.
The Day Thou Gavest, Lord, Is Ended – John Ellerton
Written in 1870, this reflective hymn is tied to Anglican and Royal Navy traditions. Its solemn, hopeful sentiment evokes closure, ranked 34/40 most popular funeral songs.
On Eagle’s Wings – Michael Joncas
Written in 1979, this Catholic hymn draws from Psalm 91, offering divine protection. Its comforting, uplifting tone is a favorite in Catholic funerals, ranked 35/40 most popular funeral songs.
Nearer, My God, to Thee – Sarah Flower Adams
Composed in 1841, this hymn of spiritual closeness gained fame via the Titanic story. Its serene, reverent tone suits traditional services, ranked 36/40 most popular funeral songs.
Lord of All Hopefulness – Jan Struther
Written in 1931, this gentle hymn seeks peace and divine presence. Its calm, hopeful sentiment is used in baptisms and funerals, ranked 37/40 most popular funeral songs.
Great Is Thy Faithfulness – Thomas Chisholm
Written in 1923, this hymn celebrates God’s unwavering love. Its comforting, steadfast tone offers solace in grief, ranked 38/40 most popular funeral songs.
Ave Maria – Franz Schubert
Composed in 1825, this Catholic prayer set to music evokes serenity and reverence. Its reflective, sacred tone is ideal for solemn moments, ranked 39/40 most popular funeral songs.
Bring Me Sunshine – Morecambe and Wise
Released in 1966, this cheerful UK comedy classic brings joy and nostalgia. Its light-hearted, celebratory sentiment suits upbeat farewells, ranked 40/40 most popular funeral songs.
Reach Out For Support With Respect Today
Ready to put together the perfect ceremony? Contact Respect Funeral Services at 01427 612992 or contact us directly at respectgb.co.uk/contact to learn how we can help you plan a dignified, eco-friendly farewell.
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After Care
If you need extra help, there are excellent resources available:
- NHS: The NHS offers advice on coping with bereavement, including mental health support. Visit their page on Dealing with Grief and Loss for practical tips and helpline details.
- Respect: the Respect Guide, What To Do When Someone Dies covers benefits like the Bereavement Support Payment.
- Cruse Bereavement Support: A UK charity dedicated to grief, Cruse provides free counselling and resources. Learn more at cruse.org.uk.
- Bereavement Advice: Documents needed for arranging a funeral
- GOV: See if you qualify for a Funeral Expense Payment from the government.
